Sources & Citations

Last updated: 5 July 2026

MenuWise provides nutrition and daily energy estimates for planning purposes. It uses established equations, public food composition datasets, and product rules to turn profile details and menu text into useful meal guidance.

Daily energy intake

MenuWise estimates resting energy needs from gender, weight, and height using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, then applies the selected activity level to estimate total daily energy expenditure.

• Medscape Mifflin-St Jeor Equation Calculator
• Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, Scott BJ, Daugherty SA, Koh YO. A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 1990.
• FAO/WHO/UNU Human Energy Requirements report

Goal adjustment

After total daily energy expenditure is estimated, MenuWise applies a simple goal adjustment: maintain keeps the estimate unchanged, lose weight reduces it by about 400 calories, and gain muscle adds about 400 calories.

Food composition data

MenuWise estimates menu items by matching dish text, common ingredients, preparation style, serving patterns, and public food composition references. Restaurant meals vary, so the app treats results as estimates rather than exact lab values.

• USDA FoodData Central
• Food Standards Australia New Zealand Australian Food Composition Database
• Health Canada Canadian Nutrient File
• UK Composition of Foods Integrated Dataset

Nutrient reference values

When MenuWise displays macro and nutrient context, it references widely used dietary reference frameworks. Individual needs can vary by age, health status, activity, pregnancy, medication, and medical advice.

• National Academies Dietary Reference Intakes collection
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements nutrient recommendations and DRI tools

Important limits

MenuWise does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe nutrition plans. Always confirm ingredients, allergens, and preparation details with the venue when it matters, and speak with a qualified health professional for medical or diet-specific advice.